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- Ελληνικά
President Nicos Christodoulides tonight referred to the excellent relations between Cyprus and France, noting that, on the basis of the information received today, he remains optimistic that there will be positive news soon, before the end of the year.
Addressing the reception hosted tonight by the Ambassador of France on the occasion of the National Day of the French Republic at the Embassy Residence, President Christodoulides said, inter alia, that dynamic bilateral relations have been developing rapidly since 2016 with the signing of the Strategic Agenda between Cyprus and France.
He noted that the depth and importance of bilateral relations are being demonstrated in practice, adding that upon assuming his duties as President of the Republic, one of his first visits abroad was to France for a meeting with President Macron.
"Cyprus and France are cooperating in a multitude of areas," the President said, noting, among other things, the activity of the TOTAL company in the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus, which he said is a recognition of the role that Cyprus and the region can play for the EU's energy autonomy.
He also referred to the expansion of the French School in Limassol from September 2022, as well as the full membership of Cyprus in the International Organisation of Francophonie.
Regarding the relations between the two countries as EU members, President Christodoulides underlined that the two states are among the closest partners within the Union, working to promote the EU's strategic autonomy.
He added that the agreement ratified last April on cooperation in evacuation operations from the region through the territory of the Republic of Cyprus during crises reflects the upgrading of bilateral relations, noting that this agreement demonstrates Cyprus' role as a beacon of peace and stability in the turbulent Eastern Mediterranean region.
He also noted that this role, together with the moral obligation to provide support, led Cyprus to take the Amalthea initiative.
Underlining the humanitarian role that Cyprus plays in the region, the President of the Republic said: "We are working together with our partners, including France, to provide much needed humanitarian assistance to the civilian population of Gaza," while expressing "deep gratitude to President Macron for being among those who embraced and supported the Amalthea Initiative when it was just another idea we put forward in an effort to fulfil a great moral duty in our region. France played an important role in the creation of the Cypriot sea corridor and helped through its navy to transport significant quantities of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip." He also noted that President Macron was the first to convene a conference on the situation in Gaza.
He also underlined that an important pillar of bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and France is their strategic cooperation in the fields of defence and security.
"Our states are conducting joint exercises, demonstrating our readiness to face challenges in times of major geopolitical changes, while France remains the primary provider of Cyprus' defence capabilities. At the same time, Cyprus continues to receive French aircraft at the Air Base in Paphos, Larnaca and Paphos airports, as well as warships in its ports providing facilities, while the annual presence of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in Cyprus testifies to the common desire to strengthen cooperation between the two countries."
Referring to the Cyprus problem, the President of the Republic expressed deep appreciation for "France's solidarity and continued support for our efforts to achieve a viable solution to the Cyprus problem."
He added: "My main priority as President of the Republic remains the reunification of Cyprus and an end to 50 years of division and occupation," which will allow Cyprus to further develop as a force for stability in a turbulent region, he said.
President Christodoulides also noted that he is working intensively with the UN Secretary General's personal envoy on the Cyprus problem, exhausting every effort to resume talks from where they were interrupted and in accordance with the only possible basis for a solution, set out in UN Security Council resolutions, for a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality.
He also noted that "following information I received today, I remain optimistic that we will have positive news soon, before the end of the year."
He further stressed, "France has proven time and again, especially in times of uncertainty, that it is a valuable and reliable friend. With my presence here tonight I express our gratitude for its stable role and principled stance. I have no doubt that this support will continue and France will continue to be a steadfast partner in realising our vision of a reunited Cyprus for the benefit of all Cypriots."
Moreover, the President of the Republic said: "I want to assure our French friends that Cyprus will remain a strong and stable ally and will continue to work to further strengthen our relations with France, among other things, and to work towards achieving our common goals of a more secure and stable Eastern Mediterranean and a stronger EU with a leading role in the world."
Finally, the President praised the role and contribution of the Ambassador of France, whose term of office is ending, in strengthening Cypriot-French relations.
(PM/EP/NZ)
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